5 Ways to Love Being Outside When Your RV Is Making You Stir-crazy

When it comes to tiny living in an RV, there’s nowhere to go but outside

RVers, have you ever felt like the walls are closing in around you? You aren’t meant to stay inside all day. In fact, once you learn how to do it right, spreading out outside will become one of your favorite parts of owning an RV.

When your RV is making you stir-crazy, as it inevitably will, here are 5 ways to love outdoor living.

1/ Eat Outside

Scientific studies have proven that food tastes better outside. But you don’t have to take our word for it.

The key here is to have the right outdoor cooking equipment and corresponding recipes you love. With a portable grill, you can cook up steak, fish, bratwursts, hamburgers, roasted vegetables, aluminum foil peach cobbler, and so much more.

It doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Even a simple fire ring and roasting stick can yield a yummy meal that makes your day.

If you don’t have all the right equipment outside yet, another option is to cook inside, then take your meal outside to eat. The bit of extra effort can change the atmosphere completely.

2/ Have the Right Chairs

Having the right chairs will really help you relax outside your RV

How can you enjoy being outside your RV if your patio chairs are uncomfortable? If you invest in a chair that is good for your posture and supports your neck, then you’ll want to be outside all the time!

Anti-gravity chairs are a popular choice for RVs because they recline, have a foot rest, and offer great neck support. Some styles even have a raised pillow for the head.

3/ Don’t Forget Shade

Shade will protect you from the sun and rain, allowing you to spend more time outdoors than you could otherwise

In Central Texas, there’s no telling what kind of weather you’ll confront. Without shelter, your time outdoors will be automatically limited. Most often, you’ll be baking in the sun, but you could also be drenched by rain without cover.

Shade is a game-changer. Whether you roll out your RV awning (don’t forget guy ropes for wind) or have a free-standing tent, shade will multiply the time you can comfortably spend outside.

4/ Make Peace With the Bugs

Have a plan for living at peace (or war) with the bugs around you

Depending on the part of the country you’re in, you may have some bugs to contend with. You’ll need to have a plan for controlling them if you want to enjoy your time outside.

You have multiple plans of attack here. A few suggestions:

Avoid being outside during the times of day that bugs are most active, typically dawn and dust.

Light a fire, after checking your area isn’t under a burn ban. The smoke will help keep the bugs away. (Never leave your fire unattended.)

Burn citronella candles or torches around your RV patio area.

Apply the bug spray. There are natural options made of essential oils, if you want to avoid the chemicals.

Speaking of essential oils, there are several that repel bugs, including peppermint, lavender, tea tree (melaleuca), geranium, cedar, vetiver, and–of course–citronella. If you already have essential oils on hand, then you can concoct your own bug repellant with a mixture of these essential oils and coconut oil.

5/ Find the Water (or Another Activity)

These kayakers are enjoying the San Marcos River right beside Pecan Park’s property

All of these suggestions have applied to the area right around your home on wheels: your RV patio. But of course, when all else fails, the best way to enjoy being outside your RV is to get out on the water!

The San Marcos River glides right past our property at Pecan Park. Down the hillside from our RV sites, you can kayak, fish, swim, tube, or just stick your feet in the water.